Xabi Alonso is confident that Reece James will be back before January and not impact Chelsea’s transfer window after successfully undergoing surgery for a knee injury.
The Blues captain suffered a fresh setback ahead of the trip to Everton, ruling him out for “several weeks”.
And Alonso admits the injury blow brings “disappointment” but hopes the -year-old will return during the festive period to prevent the club from dipping into the transfer market.
“In the last training he had an injury, we wanted to be cautious and wait for the tests, the surgery has been successful, support him, keep him close to the team, wish him the best recovery,” Alonso said.
“We don't set timelines, but several weeks. We don't have exact, it won't be short, two or three weeks, it'll be longer, we'll see before Christmas and after Christmas, things need to be done properly. Get him in the best possible condition. It's a disappointment for everyone and him.
“No, I don't think so,” Alonso added when asked if the injury would push the club to sign a replacement in the January transfer window. “We expect him to be back, some weeks before, let's see, it's not exact, he doesn't have an exact timeline. So, no.
“He's a very important player, the captain, an influence, hopefully after this injury he'll be available.
The 26-year-old was unavailable for Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend after missing the international break with England.
He had started in Chelsea’s first four games of the Premier League season but has not featured since the 2-2 draw with Hull on 12 September.
James misses several spells of last season due to hamstring injuries, but said talk about his fitness issues was “boring” before the World Cup.
He ended up misses two of England’s matches during the tournament due to a strain, however, and is now set for another spell out while he recovers from the surgery.
A Chelsea statement confirmed: “Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
“The 26-year-old was absent from Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training. Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase. Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return.”